Cherry BBQ Pork Chops are rich in flavor, thanks to Brownwood Farms Cherry BBQ sauce. This item was a new addition to our store this fall and quickly became a family favorite. It’s unique flavor is delicous on pork, chicken and salmon – plus it’s all natural, gluten-free and made in the USA. What’s not to love?

Cherry BBQ Pork Chops with Sautéed Bok Choy is an easy and healthy entrée for any day of the week.

Heat oil in an iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt & pepper on both sides. Add to skillet – brown for 3 minutes. Flip and brown the other size. (You may have to cook the chops in two batches so you don’t over-crowd the pan.)

Transfer to a prepared baking sheet and brush with Brownwood Farms Cherry BBQ Sauce and bake for 15 minutes. Flip the pork chops, heavily baste with the Cherry BBQ Sauce and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until pork chops are cooked through (internal temp of about 145 degrees). Cover with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.

It’s January in Central New York and I’m already dreaming about spring… Sunshine, fresh green foliage and flowers – I can’t wait!

In the meantime, there are so many ways to bring the outdoors in – including freshening up your tablescape. Fresh flowers, centerpieces and seasonal linens are always an option to bring in natural elements, but how about your dinnerware?

This gorgeous Riviera pottery is designed by the famous French floral designer, Christian Tortu. The detailed design on these Hydrangea leaf salad plates are amazing.

Whether used in your tablescape, as appetizer plates for your spring gathering, or adorning a sidetable or night stand – they are sure to add a refreshing touch of nature.

These petite Laurel Leaf plates are a perfect little dish for olives, condiments… plus how pretty would it be on a bedside tables and a little jewelry tray for rings and such?

Simply to pretty to hide away – consider using them as art when not in use – hang them with plate hangers or display them on your mantel or buffet with an table top easel. Stunning!

This is the perfect recipe to use up your leftover prime rib or steak; or just pick up some thinly sliced prime rib/roast beef from your deli counter for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.

The stars of the vinaigrette are local honey and B.R. Cohn Champagne Vinegar, which create the perfect blend of acidity and sweetness.

Prime Rib Salad with Butternut Squash and Honey Champagne Vinaigrette

Prime Rib Salad with Butternut Squash and Honey Champagne Vinaigrette

1 Butternut squashed peeled and diced (or an 11oz package pre-diced)

1 Tbl. Olive oil or Avocado Oil

1/2 tsp. Kosher or Sea Salt

1/4 tsp. Freshly ground Black Pepper

6-8oz. Thinly sliced prime rib, steak or deli roast beef

1 pkg Mixed Greens or Baby Spinach

1/3 cup Dried Cranberries

1/3 cup Chopped Pecans

1 Small Shallot, thinly sliced (optional)

2 oz. Goat Cheese, crumbled

Honey Champagne Vinaigrette

1/3 cup Olive Oil (we use B.R. Cohn)*

1/3 cup B.R. Cohn Champagne Vinaigrette*

1/2 tsp Kosher or Sea Salt

1/4 tsp Freshly ground Black Pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange butternut squash on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes (stirring once after 10 mins).

Prepare the vinaigrette by combining all in a magic bullet and blending; or hand whisk vigorously in a small bowl.

On a platter, or large salad bowl, arrange salad greens, butternut squash, cranberries, goat cheese and steak. Sprinkle over pecans and shallots. If serving immediately drizzle over vinaigrette. Or wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate salad until ready to serve.

Enjoy!

*B.R. Cohn Champagne Vinegar and Olive Oil can be found at a la Maison. For more information, or to order please call 315-440-6637.

I am in love with Costa Nova’s Pearl dinnerware collection! I’ve been searching for quite a while, trying to find a replacement for an older beaded dinnerware pattern that I favored but just couldn’t anything that truly compared.

Costa Nova’s Pearl is a winner… It’s raised beaded-rim design is substantial, much more detailed the most beaded pottery, bringing elegance and great texture to any tablescape.

Although the white is stunning, I’m equally intrigued with the Cocoa. It’s soft brown/taupe is a perfect option for so many occasions, including the fall and winter holiday season. Paired with other seasonal pottery; or just a simple organic touch of boxwood, fall leaves, a fresh rosemary spring or a bit of evergreen creates a simple, organic and elegant place setting.

This dinnerware is a welcome addition to our store and our home as well. I know I’ll reach for this versatile pattern often!

As many of my customers know, one of my favorites new pantry items is Beekman 1802 Blaak Tomato Jam.

The unique combination of tomatoes, garlic, ginger, raisins and spices make it the perfect topping for my turkey mozzarella meatball sliders – and a nice change from traditional marinara sauce. Try them for a easy and delicious appetizer option at your next event.

Prepare the mozzarella cheese by dividing it in half and shredding half and then slicing the remainder into 6 slices – then cut the 6 slices in half to make 12 pieces. Set aside.

Add the ground turkey, the shredded mozzarella cheese, mustard, onion, basil, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Gently mix with hands – don’t overwork the meatball. Form into 12 small 1/2-inch thick patties.

In a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil to the pan. Gently place sliders into a pan and cook for 12 – 14 mins or until meat is cooked through. (flipping only once halfway through cooking time).

Transfer sliders to a baking dish and top each with a slice of the remaining mozzeralla cheese. Bake in the oven for about 10 mins or until the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and top each with a tablespoon of Beekman 1802 Blaak Tomato Jam and fresh basil.

Who wouldn’t love one of the beautiful new Mesa candles from PADDYWAX? From the great southwestern inspired pottery to the soothing array of scent blends, they make a perfect gift option.

However, these pretty little vessels have another purpose and will long outlive the candle within them. Once the candles are gone, these pottery pieces are designed to be a stackable cream and sugar set.

I just love multi-purpose products for the home! Not a coffee drinker? These pottery pieces would be great for sauces, condiments, etc.

No need to limit them to a life in the kitchen… How about a little greenery?… I can see them holding pretty little succulents arrangements as well!

When creating the menu for a recent gathering at our shoppe, I wanted a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage option. Something special and pretty that would appeal to the guests coming to celebrate the opening of à la Maison’s newly expanded showroom.

One of the prettiest cocktail ingredients I count on is Blackberry Basil Simple Syrup. Easy to make and quite versatile, you can take it in any direction you’d like… an elegant non-alcoholic spritzer , a pretty kiddie cocktail, or a delicious vodka blackberry basil spitzer.

Just a few simple ingredients – fresh blackberries, fresh basil and sugar simmered in pure water creates this unique and fruity twist on simple syrup. It’s a quick and easy option to prep ahead of your next event.

Blackberry Basil Simple Syrup

4 cups fresh blackberries

2 cups sugar

3 cup water

¼ cup of fresh basil leaves

Add ingredients to a medium sized pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and boil for 15-20. Stirring occasionally. Cool Completely. Pour through a fine strainer and store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for about a week.

Now your ready to put your new Blackberry Basil Simply Syrup to good use! With or without alcohol, it’s a fruity and refreshing choice

Blackberry Basil Vodka Spritzer

2 tbl blackberry simply syrup

1 tbl triple sec

1 shot of vodka

1/2 cup seltzer water

Fresh Basil and blackberries to garnish

Blackberry basil simple syrup, triple sec and vodka to a shaker with ice. Shake then pour into a glass, top with seltzer water and garnish with fresh basil & blackberries.

Blackberry Basil Spritzer Mocktail

Seltzer Water

Blackberry Basil Simple Syrup

Fresh Basil and blackberries to garnish

Fill goblet with ice, top with a fresh blackberry and sprig of basil. Fill glass with seltzer water, then top with Blackberry Basil Simply Syrup to taste.